Banished Love
Page 32
We arrived at South Station a few minutes before we were to meet Gabriel. I glanced up, marveling at the three arched entranceways placed at an angle of Sumner and Atlantic Avenues. The white pillars above the archways led to a large clock with an eagle spreading its wings. I paused, taking in the grandeur and the elegance of the building. We were jostled a few times as travelers hurried past, rushing to their trains.
I gripped Colin’s arm, attempting to maintain my composure and entered the main waiting room. I paused again, looking with awe at the coffered ceilings and the marble floors.
“Col, I don’t remember it being this big. What if we can’t find him?” I asked as I glanced into one of many oak alcoves. “What if he has to depart without saying good-bye?”
“You said by the flower merchant,” Colin murmured, guiding me in that direction.
I scanned the passing multitudes, hoping to glimpse two tall, broad-shouldered, black haired McLeod men. We approached the flower sellers, with still no sight of Gabriel. I clutched Colin’s arm tighter with my anxiety, causing him to grunt with pain.
“Clarissa,” Gabriel breathed deeply into my ear from behind. I twirled around, feeling a wave of emotion wash over me at the sight of him. I studied him for a moment. His black hair was freshly cut and casually styled, he was clean shaven, and he wore his best suit. I let go of Colin’s arm and reached out to Gabriel.
“Gabriel,” I whispered, incapable of speaking in a stronger voice.
He smiled at me with sad eyes. Two fingers gently traced my cheek and jaw before coming to rest on my upper arm. “You came,” he said.
“I told you I would,” I said, echoing words he had said to me recently. I attempted a brave smile, wanting him to feel joy as he started on his journey. “When does your train depart?”
“In about fifteen minutes. Richard’s with my trunks. I need to make sure I don’t lose them,” he said, glancing over his shoulder as though trying to see Richard.
“Let’s find Richard,” I said, pulling his arm in the direction he had looked. I glanced at Colin to see him following us. We darted between rushing men and strolling women, evading the crowds with ease. I felt as though we were in our own cocoon sheltered from the outside world.
We approached Richard, who nervously eyed the clock. He attempted a smile, but no joy reached his icy-blue eyes. We ensured the trunks were checked to Chicago and then stood around with very little to say.
I watched as Gabriel turned toward the large clock, sharing a look with Richard.
“I should make my way to the train,” Gabriel said, the steam engine puffing and hissing. Sunlight glinting off the sparkling windows prevented me from seeing the interior of the train. The end of each car had a small balcony, with steps leading down to the platform. A conductor stood at the base of the steps, checking tickets as riders boarded.
As we approached his train car, Colin and Richard fell back a few paces to give us a moment alone. Gabriel looked at me intently, taking in every aspect of my appearance. I closed my eyes as he tucked a piece of hair behind my left ear, tracing my ear and earring. I opened my eyes, unable to hide my misery at his leaving.
“Clarissa, love,” he breathed, saying no more. I nodded, knowing there was no more to say. “You have my locket?”
I smiled, touching my chest. He covered my hand, leaned down, touching his forehead to mine.
“Never doubt, we will be together again, Clarissa,” he whispered.
“All aboard.”
I jerked back, eyes widening to realize the moment of separation had arrived. We stared into each other’s eyes for a fleeting second and then everything seemed to occur in double time.
Richard rushed forward, pulled Gabriel in a hard embrace before propelling him toward the train. Gabriel stood near the train’s steps, allowing others to pass as Richard spoke in his ear, one arm slung over his shoulder. I realized again how close they were and appreciated that this separation would be extremely difficult for both of them.
I stood still, trying to maintain my composure, gasping for breath as I watched Gabriel move farther from me.
As the whistle sounded, Gabriel’s head jerked up, meeting my eyes. I saw a reflection of my own anguish mirrored there in his azure eyes. He rushed toward me, grasped my cheeks gently in his large hands and kissed me.
“Until the next station meeting, my Clarissa,” he whispered. Then he was gone, rushing up the train stairs and out of view. The train slowly heaved into motion, taking him away.
End of Book One
Author’s Notes
Thank you for reading Banished Love. Never fear, dear reader, the second book in the series, Reclaimed Love, will soon be forthcoming with the next installment of Clarissa and Gabriel’s story. I hope you will continue to join me on their journey.
Would you like to know when my next book is available? You can sign up for my new release e-mail list, where you’ll be the first to know of updates and special giveaways at http://www.ramonaflightner.com
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Reviews help other readers find books. I appreciate all reviews. Please consider reviewing on Amazon, Goodreads or both.
Most people learn about books by recommendations from their friends. Please, share Banished Love with a friend!
Look for Reclaimed Love, Book Two in the Banished Saga, in Fall 2014.
BOOK EXTRAS
Cast of Characters from BANISHED LOVE
Clarissa Sullivan: teaches school in the West End of Boston, a suffragette, clumsy, lives in the South End,
Colin Sullivan: Clarissa’s brother, a blacksmith
Patrick Sullivan: Clarissa’s eldest brother
Sean Sullivan: Clarissa’s father, a blacksmith, from Ireland
Mrs. Rebecca Sullivan nee Smythe: Clarissa’s stepmother, has social aspirations
Agnes Sullivan nee Thompson: Clarissa’s mother, deceased
Savannah Russell: Clarissa’s cousin and confidante, soon to be married to Jonas Montgomery, lives in the South End near Clarissa
Lucas Russell: Clarissa’s cousin, works at his father’s linen store, “Russells,” is a talented piano player
Martin Russell: father to Lucas and Savannah, uncle to Clarissa, owns and runs the linen store, “Russells,” store and home in the South End, near the Sullivan home
Matilda Russell nee Thompson: Savannah’s mother and Clarissa’s aunt, sister to Agnes and Betsy
Betsy Parker nee Thompson: childless, lives in Quincy, married to a wealthy man, free-thinking, cryptic comments, Matilda and Agnes’ sister, Clarissa and Savannah’s aunt.
Gabriel McLeod: the eldest McLeod brother, a cabinetmaker, lives in North End, fascinated by Clarissa
Richard McLeod: Gabriel’s middle brother, a blacksmith, friend to Colin
Jeremy McLeod: the youngest McLeod brother, in the Army, fighting in the Philippines
Aidan McLeod: uncle to the three McLeod boys
Ian McLeod: father to the three McLeod boys
Geraldine McLeod nee Sanders: wife to Ian and mother to the McLeod boys
Patricia Masterson nee Sanders: sister to Geraldine, aunt to the McLeod boys, helped raise them.
Henry Masterson: cousin to the McLeod boys
Nicholas Masterson: cousin to the McLeod boys
Florence Butler: orphan teacher who works with Clarissa in the West End
Sophronia Chickering: feisty suffragette who befriends Clarissa, lives on Beacon Hill, distantly related by marriage to the piano Chickerings
Jonas Montgomery: wealthy New Yorker, Savannah’s fiancée
Cameron Wright: a suitor for Clarissa’s hand
Maid Mary: Clarissa’s maid who is loyal to her
Maid Bridget: the other maid in the Sullivan household, more loyal to Mrs. Sullivan (Smythe)
Maid Polly: Uncle Martin’s maid
Acknowledgements
It is i
mpossible to write a novel without the aid of numerous people. Over this three-year journey from idea to publication, I have accrued many debts and if I inadvertently omit thanking you, please know I am deeply thankful.
You joined me on my numerous research detours and expressed enthusiasm every time I said, “Wouldn’t that be interesting for research?” Thank you to my wonderful, supportive family who continues to live with and be supportive of my frequent disappearances to write, read or edit.
You read and critiqued early copies, gave me invaluable insights into plot chasms, and continue to be my most vocal cheerleaders. Thank you, mum and dad.
Thank you, Sheila, for understanding I’d rather write than cook and for always sending me home with a carload of food. You are always interested in a research outing, a wonderful gift for a curious author. Thank you.
Thank you, Barry and Natalie, for your enthusiasm, support, and unflagging belief in me.
Kathleen, you read early pages, believed in my book and have been one of my greatest cheerleaders. You kept my cat and garden alive while I created another world. There are not enough ways to say thank you.
Thank you, Margo, for reading and editing an early draft. Your delight in my characters and the story I created gave me much needed confidence.
The Ladies of Eastie- Susan, Katie, Candace, Jamie, Laura, Eileen, Tina Marie, Eloisa, and Melissa- thanks for all of your support, faith in me, and encouragement!
Your boundless enthusiasm about my series and writing has provided energy and inspiration on the days I did not want to write. Thank you, Courtney.
Thank you Jerry, Eileen, Katie, Danny, John and Bonnie. You’ve helped me with research and your unflagging confidence in my book and abilities has kept my spirits high through this journey.
Thank you, Brendan for all of your musical expertise and guidance.
Thank you to my wonderful editors at Bubblecow, specifically Gary and Deb. Your advice, edits, and enthusiasm about my book were invaluable.
Thank you to my amazing cover designer, Derek Murphy. Thank you for listening to my input and for creating such a beautiful cover.
BANISHED LOVE: Reader Discussion Questions
1. This novel presents several social problems still confronting 21st century America. Is it possible to resolve some of these issues or is each one an unavoidable component of our lives?
2. Which of the many themes in this novel resonated most with you? Surprised you?
3. How does the way Clarissa chooses to cope with her problems characterize her?
4. Family life and duty to one’s family form important elements of this novel. Discuss how these elements limit/guide Clarissa’s actions.
5. Note the different ways the female characters choose their mates. Would some of these be unlikely or inappropriate today?
6. Are there parallels between the marriages of the older generation and the situations faced by Clarissa and Savannah? In what ways do Florence’s circumstances enrich and inform the possibilities of the younger women?
7. Note the role risk plays in this novel.
8. Is Cameron characterized in ways other than through Clarissa’s thoughts and comments?
9. In what ways does Cameron’s pursuit of Clarissa affect her relationship with others? Help the reader know them?
10. What does America share today with the past described in this novel?
11. How does the setting of Boston affect the plot?
12. There is a sequel to BANISHED LOVE. What do you think the future holds for Clarissa? Savannah? Florence? Gabriel?
Table of Contents
Copyright Information
Title Page
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Author's Notes
Book Extras: Cast of Characters
Acknowledgments
Reader Discussion Questions